Senators will celebrate National Women’s History Month by Recognizing American Indian Women Change Makers from Indian Country

The late Elouise Cobell met President Obama in Oval Office of the White House

Published March 2, 2016

WASHINGTON — Senators Jon Tester and Heidi Heitkamp will celebrate National Women’s History Month by honoring Native American women change makers who have made significant contributions to Indian Country and the entire nation.

Wilma Mankiller

“Native American women have helped shaped this nation and their contributions to society are a rich part of our history and heritage,”said Tester, Vice-Chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee. “Let’s all take a moment to honor the hard work of these trailblazers as we preserve their inspirational stories for the next generation of American leaders.”

“From Sakakawea, who helped pave the way for one of the grand expeditions across the country, to Alyce Spotted Bear, a great leader and educator on MHA Nation in North Dakota who I named my first bill in the U.S. Senate after, Native American women have left their marks on our country’s history,” said Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “Throughout the month, Senator Tester and I will tell the stories of just a few of the many Native women who have influenced our communities and our country, and led the way for future generations of Native women.”

Over the next 30 days, Tester and Heitkamp will launch the hashtag #NativeHERoes and individually recognize Native American women leaders like Elouise Cobell, Maria TallChief, and Wilma Mankiller on their social media accounts.